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Satellite Operations Engineer Jobs in Washington

Provide engineering consultation to current satellite operations assisting with vehicle anomaly or event support. * Proactively works with Government, Developer, and SETA program managers and system ...

The GEOINT Operations Systems Engineer is responsible for supporting satellite operations from tasking to product dissemination for a proliferated constellation of imagery satellites. This position ...

Senior Software Engineer (Remote Sensing)

Reston, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

This engineer will contribute to software systems across our mission planning, scheduling, command ... Experience developing software for aerospace ground systems, satellite operations, mission ...

Senior Software Engineer (Remote Sensing)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

This engineer will contribute to software systems across our mission planning, scheduling, command ... Experience developing software for aerospace ground systems, satellite operations, mission ...

... s Engineer DPG is looking for a strong DevOps Engineer to join our team supporting a customer in a ... patching (satellite servers), creating RPM packages, performance tuning, networking, user ...

DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

... s Engineer DPG is looking for a strong DevOps Engineer to join our team supporting a customer in a ... patching (satellite servers), creating RPM packages, performance tuning, networking, user ...

... s Engineer DPG is looking for a strong DevOps Engineer to join our team supporting a customer in a ... patching (satellite servers), creating RPM packages, performance tuning, networking, user ...

... s Engineer DPG is looking for a strong DevOps Engineer to join our team supporting a customer in a ... patching (satellite servers), creating RPM packages, performance tuning, networking, user ...

Mission Operations Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

Required : • 4+ years of professional experience in hardware engineering. • Experience in environments like propulsion test stands, satellite mission operations, or flight testing. • Strong ...

Support field testing, validation, and operational deployment of satellite communications hardware ... Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.

Support field testing, validation, and operational deployment of satellite communications hardware ... Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.

Support field testing, validation, and operational deployment of satellite communications hardware ... Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.

Support field testing, validation, and operational deployment of satellite communications hardware ... Master's degree in electrical engineering, satellite communications, or related discipline.

Showing results 41-60

Satellite Operations Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$40.8K

$96.3K

$152.9K

How much do satellite operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite operations engineer in Washington is $96,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a satellite operations engineer do?

A typical day for a Satellite Operations Engineer involves monitoring satellite performance, analyzing telemetry data, and coordinating responses to any anomalies or unexpected events. You may participate in shift work to ensure 24/7 operational coverage, collaborate with hardware engineers, mission planners, and ground station teams, and document system status or updates. Regular tasks include executing command sequences, supporting satellite launches or maneuvers, and preparing detailed reports for senior engineers and management. This role combines technical hands-on work with real-time problem-solving and teamwork, providing a dynamic and impactful work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite operations engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Operations Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with satellite control systems, mission planning software, telemetry, and (where applicable) industry certifications such as ITAR or FCC licensure is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure the reliable operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of satellites in a highly collaborative and mission-critical environment.

What is a satellite operations engineer?

A Satellite Operations Engineer is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the health and performance of satellites in orbit. They operate ground control systems, analyze telemetry data, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to ensure continuous satellite functionality. Their role may involve planning satellite maneuvers, coordinating with mission teams, and supporting pre-launch testing. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of satellite communication systems, and experience with ground station operations are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Operations Engineer jobs in Washington? For Satellite Operations Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Satellite Operations Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,303 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Satellite Systems Software Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2611928
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-24
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Systems Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
Join a winning team!! SAIC's Space and Intelligence Business Group is currently hiring to advance space capabilities supporting our Department of Defense (DOD) and Intelligence Community customers. Ten miles from the SAIC headquarters, our Chantilly, VA team supports systems development, targeting & intelligence analysis, systems engineering & integration and more.
This position is for a Satellite Systems Software Engineer for a large, multi-year contract supporting a cutting-edge and innovative space program. The Satellite Systems Software Engineer must possess and have successfully demonstrated satellite engineering experience. Requires excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills. The Satellite Systems Software Engineer will partner with multi-Agency and multi-Contractor team of system engineers and subject matter experts to effectively plan, organize, and execute all activities across the system life cycle.
The Satellite Systems Software Engineer provides leadership and technical support that may include, but are not limited to the following:
Role Responsibilities:
  • Directly contribute to the Government's mission success through comprehensive analysis, thought leadership, and proactive system engineering activities.
  • Analyze designs and software engineering practices that is integrated into embedded devices and systems and meets industry, customer, safety and regulation standards.
  • Assists with reviews, analyzes, and translates customer requirements into the design of software products for embedded devices and systems.
  • Analyzes, monitors and improves the efficiency and stability of embedded software systems.
  • Witness developer-executed tests for embedded devices and systems.
  • Recommends implementation of current and emerging technologies, tools, frameworks, and changes in regulations relevant to software development and hardware technologies.
  • Advises on software and hardware integration domains.
  • Provide engineering consultation to current satellite operations assisting with vehicle anomaly or event support.
  • Proactively works with Government, Developer, and SETA program managers and system engineers to identify, report, and resolve issues.
  • Works without any direct supervisor.

Qualifications
  • Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
  • Bachelors and 5 years of relevant experience; OR Masters and 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Government or Commercial experience.
  • 4+ years of experience designing and developing software for a real-time or non-real-time system.
  • Expert in embedded software system architecture, design, integration and test.
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics and utility of different orbits.
  • Expert at defining solutions for broad, abstract topics; succinctly captures issues for customer and provides analysis and recommendations.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
  • Polished communicator (written and verbal) with highly effective interpersonal skills and personal judgement.

Desired Qualifications:
  • STEM or intelligence-related degree.
  • Ability to thrive in a face paced and dynamic environment.
  • Willingness to communicate assessments of complex issues to Program and Mission teams.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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